Is it possible to change the return date of a round trip flight once you already have the ticket?

Question

I'm studying abroad in Ireland next semester. I'm thinking about buying a one-way ticket over there since I'll be doing a lot of traveling after school gets out in May. But say that I bought a round trip ticket, then decided to come home earlier than scheduled...how would I go about doing that, and what would it cost me?

Answer 1

It all depends on the airline you are flying with and the type of travel you purchase. Most (but not all) tickets purchased online from the airlines themselves let you change the ticket dates for a $50-100 fee. Most (but not all) tickets purchased from resellers like Hotwire, Travelocity, etc don;t let you make changes at all. You can also get an unrestricted purchase by calling the airline directly; they don't usually advertize these because they do cost a bit more and we all know everyone wants the cheapest fare possible. But if you pay a little more up front you can change the date later with no penalty. No matter what you do, make sure you understand the restrictions on your ticket before you buy it.

Answer 2

It depends on the type of ticket that you have. I'm studying in London right now and I changed my ticket for a later return. Most airlines do let you change the ticket though, but the prices vary. I had to pay only $50 but my friend had to pay $200. If you do decide to buy a round trip ticket and then decide to change the date, just call the airline. Do it asap because seats fill up quickly and there are only a certain number of tickets available for the price you would have paid.

Answer 3

You don't mention where you're from, so I'll gues North America(?). If so, then you will need a student visa pre-arranged before you depart. Apply through the nearest Irish Embassy consular services office. US and Canadian citizens get 3 months to play tourist in the entire Schengen Agreemen zone, of which Ireland is a member. If you're planning to study, or stay longer than 3 months, you need the student visa, or else you can be denied entry (or, more likely, denied boarding since the airline is responsible if they allow you without a visa).

So, visa sorted, look at student travel agencies. These often (not always, but often) have cheaper tickets allowing longer stays, with changes only costing $25, vs. $100 or more if you buy direct from an airline. Links follow:

Answer 4

It depends on several things like: 1. What class of service - 1st & business class can be changed or refunded, so can some senior citizen fares. 2. Depends on what airline, as some airlines sell their tickets as 2 one ways coming & going. 3. Also, where you bought it; from the airline or a consolidator which has different rules. 4. You need to know the time restriction on it; an airline agent can tell you by the class of service. Some classes are for 3, 6, 9 or 1 year duration. 5. You might be able to change it, depending on some of the things mentioned about. There will be anywhere from a $100 - $250 penalty fee.

Answer 5

I do that all the time and it costs like 25 bucks or so. i'm going to have to do it with this ticket i have here. you also could call the airline and ask them how you can get an open ended ticket. it's a round trip ticket but you can choose when you come back. just give your preferred airline a call.

Answer 6

you could just cancel the ticket and repurchase the correct dates. the cost may change. or just buy a new ticket back and bite the cost. or keep that ticket and just go back and forth buy buying a new one in between those dates.

Answer 7

Make sure you buy the right type of ticket. The lower-priced tickets don't allow changes.

Answer 8

yes you can change the date - but it will cost you about $100 to change it (depending on the airline)